By Darin 
👑 From Hall of Fame Kicker to Pro Bowl Tight End: The Unsung Legends of NFL Jersey Number 46
Jersey number 46 may not be as flashy as some of its single-digit counterparts, but its history is filled with unexpected excellence and unique players who defined their positions. This number has been worn by a Hall of Fame kicker, a Pro Bowl tight end who redefined the Raiders’ offense, and even a defensive back whose career was tragically cut short, leading to the number being retired by the Cleveland Browns. We dive into the diverse and impactful legacy of the greatest NFL players to ever wear the unheralded number 46.
The Best of the Best Number 46s
- Lou Groza: Known as “The Toe,” Groza pioneered the specialized position of placekicker, becoming the first great kicker in pro football; he was also a four-time First-team All-Pro offensive tackle for the Cleveland Browns, playing 21 seasons and leading the franchise to eight championships.
- Tim McDonald: A six-time Pro Bowl safety, McDonald was a dominant, hard-hitting defensive leader for both the Phoenix Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers, notably earning a Super Bowl XXIX ring with the 49ers.
- Doug Plank: An intimidating safety for the Chicago Bears, Plank is primarily famous as the namesake of the revolutionary “46 Defense,” created by Buddy Ryan, which became the league’s most dominant scheme in the 1980s.
- Herm Edwards: After a nine-year playing career as a consistent, durable cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles, Edwards built a substantial coaching legacy, later becoming a notable head coach for the Jets and Chiefs, and a highly recognized television analyst.
- Todd Christensen: A versatile athlete converted to tight end, Christensen became a fixture of the Raiders’ potent passing attack, leading the NFL in receptions twice and earning five consecutive Pro Bowl selections.
- Chuck Muncie: A powerful and explosive three-time Pro Bowl running back, Muncie was the first player in Saints history to rush for 1,000 yards and, later with the Chargers, tied the then-NFL season record for rushing touchdowns in 1981.
- Pete Johnson: A bruising, goal-line specialist fullback for the Cincinnati Bengals, Johnson was a Pro Bowl selection and helped lead the team to Super Bowl XVI, retiring as one of the NFL’s all-time leaders in rushing touchdowns.
- Russ Letlow: Distinguished as the Green Bay Packers’ first-ever draft pick in the inaugural 1936 NFL Draft, Letlow was an All-Pro guard who helped the team win two NFL Championships in the late 1930s.
- Alfred Morris: A standout sixth-round pick, Morris immediately impacted the league, breaking the Washington franchise rookie rushing record and earning two Pro Bowl selections early in his career as a highly effective zone-scheme runner.
- Danny Abramowicz: A gritty, late-round wide receiver, Abramowicz overcame doubts about his speed to lead the NFL in receptions in 1969 and set a league record for catching at least one pass in 105 consecutive games with the New Orleans Saints.
Other outstanding wearers of NFL 46
- Jon Weeks
- Aaron Brewer
- Morgan Cox
- Jon Condo
- Jim Kearney
- Bill Baird
- Earsell Mackbee
- Hank Gremminger
- Steve Luke
- Ladell Betts
- Brent Alexander
- Rickie Harris
- Leonard Smith
- Frank Grant
- John Rowser
- Chris Harris
Conclusion
The number 46 represents a fascinating cross-section of NFL history. It is a number forever linked to the versatility of the sport, worn by the only Hall of Famer to sport it, legendary kicker Lou Groza, who also played offensive tackle. It is prominently defined by the five-time Pro Bowl tight end Todd Christensen and the promising but tragic career of defensive back Don Fleming, whose number was retired by the Cleveland Browns. Though often associated with specialists like long snappers today, the legacy of number 46 is firmly rooted in the excellence and dramatic stories of these unforgettable players.
We would like to thank the National Football Foundation, Pro Football Hall of Fame, On this day.com and Pro Football Reference Websites for the information shared with you today.